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Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves has publicly criticized the Supreme Electoral Tribunal ( TSE ) for rules that limit how the government can share information during the upcoming election period. In a national address on Sunday, Chaves called the restrictions a “muzzle” on his administration, claiming they prevent people from learning about public projects and government actions. The president repeated his concerns the next day at the opening of a childcare center in Esparza. He argued that the rules interfere with the public’s right to hold officials accountable. “Your right to demand answers, and our duty to give them, face blocks from a TSE that hides in shadows to silence us,” Chaves said. He added that the issue would not stop there and hinted at further steps. At the heart of the dispute are guidelines from the TSE that kick in after elections get called. These come from Article 142 of the Electoral Code, a law that has shaped campaigns for decades. The TSE replied to quest...

Crucitas ranks among Costa Rica’s most severe environmental setbacks. Illegal gold mining has ravaged the area for years, bringing crime, community unrest, water pollution, and deaths among those risking their lives in unauthorized operations. The once-rich natural zone now shows clear signs of decline, with forests cleared and rivers tainted by chemicals. Recent events highlight the ongoing trouble. Just this month, authorities detained five Nicaraguans for illegal mining, and earlier, two young brothers from Nicaragua died when a tunnel collapsed on them. Rescue teams recovered their bodies after hours of work, a grim reminder of the dangers. These incidents add to a long list of fatalities, as people cross borders chasing gold amid poverty. Lawmakers in the Legislative Assembly are pushing several bills to tackle this mess. The government’s plan stands out—it would permit gold exploration and extraction in Crucitas to curb the chaos from illegal activities. The Alajuela Commissi...

Costa Rica’s tourism sector keeps shifting as travelers look for deeper connections with local life, moving past basic stays to hands-on involvement in food, traditions, and self-care. This push reflects a broader change where people want trips that feel real and tied to the places they explore. Last year marked a high point for the industry. Foreign exchange from tourism hit $5.434 billion, up $682 million from 2023. That growth supported 549,048 direct and indirect jobs, making up roughly 25 percent of the workforce. These numbers show how tourism drives the economy, but they also highlight the need to adapt as preferences evolve. This year, the picture looks different. Through the first half of 2025, air arrivals dropped 2.8 percent to 1,489,008 visitors compared to the same period in 2024. Revenue for the first quarter fell to $1.773 billion, a $60 million decrease from last year. Industry watchers point to higher costs and tougher competition from nearby countries as factors in ...

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele chose not to attend the United Nations General Assembly this year, calling the event pointless and a waste of time. He shared his decision on social media, posting a video of his speech from last year’s session for anyone interested in hearing his past remarks. Bukele, who has led El Salvador since 2019, broke from his habit of attending the annual gathering in New York. This marks the first time in six years he has stayed away. In his post on X, he wrote in English: “I skipped the United Nations General Assembly this time, it felt pointless this year. But you can always watch last year’s speech if you feel like wasting time the way I did.” The accompanying video, about two minutes long, shows him addressing the assembly in 2024, where he argued that the free world has lost its freedom. He pointed to streets overrun by gangs, organized crime, and drugs, and claimed governments force social networks to censor users. His absence comes amid his clo...

A Mexican tourist survived a shark bite during a dive near Cocos Island National Park, off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The man, in his 40s, got attacked on his scalp and the left side of his face while exploring underwater at a site called Roca Sucia, about 30 meters deep. The shark also damaged his air hoses, forcing him to surface quickly to avoid further issues. Firefighters responded fast after the alert came in around midday on Saturday. They treated him on site, stopping the bleeding and keeping him stable before prepping for transport. Because Cocos Island sits over 500 kilometers from the mainland, the trip back to Puntarenas by boat will take 36 to 40 hours. Doctors expect him to reach a hospital there for more care once he arrives. Witnesses say the shark reacted during a tagging effort, not out of aggression. The diver’s mask likely protected him from worse injuries. Officials have not named the shark species yet, and they plan to look into the full details to assess any ...

Costa Rican courts have dealt another blow to Uber, ruling that the ride-hailing company must treat drivers as employees rather than independent contractors. In a decision in September, a labor court in San José found an employment link between Uber and a driver who worked from 2018 to 2024. The court ordered Uber to pay more than ₡14 million in back wages, severance, vacation time, bonuses, and other benefits, plus ₡2.8 million in legal fees. The driver argued his disconnection from the app equaled an unfair firing without proper notice. He pushed for a settlement during the trial, but Uber refused. He also asked for six months of lost income and damages. To secure payment, he and his attorney requested a freeze on Uber’s assets and accounts in case the company tries to dodge the bill. This follows a similar case last month where an appeals court upheld a ruling against Uber. That involved a driver active from October 2019 to February 2023, cut off without reason. The court pointed...

An increasing number of farms in Panama are taking steps to reduce jaguar attacks on livestock, showing that coexistence between people and these American big cats is possible, a UN agency said Friday. The jaguar (Panthera onca) is a prominent figure in Maya and Aztec mythology, but many farmers kill them after an attack on their cattle. Ninety-six percent of jaguar deaths in Panama from 1989 to 2019 occurred after livestock attacks, according to the NGO Fundación Yaguará. The jaguar’s prized pelt also made it a target for poachers, causing its population to fall by 20% to 25% since 2000, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ). “Jaguar conservation is not only about protecting an iconic species; it also involves safeguarding and restoring critical ecosystems, and improving water and biodiversity management,” said Juan Bello, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Fundación Yaguará, the Global En...

Costa Rica’s credit rating just got a boost from Moody’s , moving up to Ba2 with a stable outlook. This change points to stronger handling of government finances and debt, which could mean good news for our country’s economy. The upgrade comes after years of tight budget controls and steady growth. Officials have stuck to spending limits, making debt easier to manage. Interest payments on that debt are starting to drop, even as the economy expands. This year, growth is expected to hold around 4%, helping reduce the overall debt load relative to the size of the economy. This matters in practical ways. A better credit score for our country often leads to lower borrowing costs. That frees up money for public services, infrastructure, and programs that support tourism and daily life. Roads, healthcare, and safety measures could see improvements, making travel smoother and expat life more reliable. The government has focused on efficient debt strategies, like swapping high-interest loans...

After a chaotic morning, airport personnel announced the reopening of Costa Rican Airports. All flights had been grounded since early morning due to an electrical failure in the radar system. A total of 4,580 passengers were affected by the suspension of operations at Juan Santamaría International Airport. This was confirmed by Aeris, the airport terminal operator, after the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) announced that the problem had been resolved at around 10:54 a.m. on Wednesday. According to data provided by Aeris, 64 commercial flights, 65 domestic flights, and eight cargo flights were interrupted due to the situation. Before 11 a.m., personnel at Juan Santamaría International Airport confirmed that operations were resuming. “Aeris reports that operations at Juan Santamaría Airport have been restored and will gradually resume starting at 10:40 a.m.,” explained the terminal administration. Meanwhile, Lizeth Valverde, operations manager at Guanacaste Airport, repo...

Genentech corporation in the United States invites applications for vacant Postdoctoral and Research Positions, A member of the

In a Havana park, in broad daylight, a young man walks erratically, shuffling his feet with a vacant stare, like a zombie. It’s the effect of “el químico,” the synthetic drug that has set off alarms on the island. In a country accustomed to low levels of drug use, consumption of this highly addictive synthetic cannabinoid, cheaper and more potent than marijuana, has spread in recent years in the capital and even into the provinces. Until three months ago, 21-year-old Josué Ángel Espinosa was completely hooked on this drug. “I couldn’t eat a plate of food without using,” and “I couldn’t sleep.” He had to smoke up to 15 cigarettes laced with “el químico” to fall asleep, the young man said.He is one of five Cubans in rehabilitation at a Rescue House for addicts, founded a year ago by 36-year-old evangelical pastor Rotyam Castro on the outskirts of the city. This preacher says “it’s something that got out of control.” “I’ve met addicted kids from the streets, from the underworld,” but a...

The State University of New York at Albany in United States invites application for a vacant Research and

Cornell University in United States invites application for vacant Postdoctoral Positions, a private and statutory Ivy League research

Chiquita Brands, the multinational banana company, has begun rehiring workers it laid off after halting operations in Panama three months ago due to a strike, Panamanian authorities said Friday. The rehiring’s follow an agreement reached in late August between company executives and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino for the company’s return to the country. Chiquita closed its Changuinola plant in the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro at the end of May and laid off more than 6,000 workers amid a strike that partially paralyzed the region for weeks. “As of yesterday (Thursday), the ministry had recorded approximately 500 contracts… we are very pleased; that is more than 500 families returning to work,” Labor Minister Jackeline Muñoz told reporters. Under the agreement between Chiquita and the Panamanian government, the company will hire about 3,000 workers in a first phase, mainly for farm cleanup and maintenance, and another 2,000 in a second phase for production. “This rest...

The University of Delaware in United States invites application for vacant Faculty Positions, a public research university located

Duke University in United States invites application for vacant Postdoctoral and Research Positions, research university in North Carolina,

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., revealed the return of nine ancient artifacts to Costa Rica on Thursday. These items came from investigations into looting and trafficking rings that target cultural heritage in South and Central America. Dealers and collectors allegedly snuck them into the U.S. and hid their origins through fake stories, shows, and gifts to museums. “I am thrilled that these nine pieces are being returned in what is our first repatriation with Costa Rica,” Bragg said. “I am grateful to all of the investigators and prosecutors who developed this complex and multi-faceted investigation.” Costa Rica’s Consul General, Ambassador Mabel Segura Fernández, praised the effort. “The dedication and commitment of the Manhattan D.A. and the Antiquities Trafficking Unit have made possible an invaluable achievement,” she said. “It is a gesture of justice, of respect, and of friendship that strengthens the ties between our nations and honors the principle that cultu...

George Washington University in United States invites application for Postdoctoral Positions, a private research university in Washington, D.C.,

International tourist arrivals to Costa Rica dropped by 2.3% between January and August compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. Our country received 2,081,983 visitors during the first eight months of the year, 48,847 fewer than last year. North America, the primary source of tourists to Costa Rica, registered a 2.7% decrease in arrivals. Canada saw the sharpest decline at 4.3%, followed by the United States at 2.5%. European arrivals also fell 5.6%, although the August figure showed only a 0.5% drop. Experts attribute the slowdown to rising insecurity in the country and the continued depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Costa Rican colón, which has made travel to the country more expensive. Tourism Minister William Rodríguez urged careful analysis of the data. He noted that August’s air arrivals nearly matched 2024 levels, indicating a possible stabilization. Rodríguez also cited recovery signs in key markets, including Germany, ...

The U.S. government has placed Costa Rica on its annual list of major drug transit or production countries for fiscal year 2026. President Donald Trump signed the determination, identifying 23 nations where illegal drugs flow through or get made in large amounts. This marks the latest in a series of reports that have kept Costa Rica on the radar for years. The State Department released the memorandum to Congress, outlining countries that play a key role in the global drug trade. Costa Rica joins places like Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, and Afghanistan on the list. Officials point to our country’s position along Pacific and Atlantic routes as a reason for the designation. Drug cartels use these paths to move cocaine and other substances north toward the U.S. This isn’t the first time Costa Rica has appeared here. Our country has stayed on the list since at least 2008, according to U.S. records. In recent years, authorities have noted a rise in violence tied to drug routes . Gangs fight...

The University of Georgia in United States invites applications for vacant Research and Academic Positions, The University of

Claudia Sheinbaum will make history today by becoming the first woman to lead Mexico’s traditional Independence Day “Grito de Dolores” from the presidential balcony — a ritual monopolized by men for more than a century. Sheinbaum, who won a landslide victory in 2024 to become Mexico’s first female president, will ring the historic bell and wave the national flag in Mexico City’s Zócalo, reenacting the 1810 call to rebellion made by Father Miguel Hidalgo. “For the first time a woman will deliver the Grito. It’s quite novel,” Sheinbaum said last week when asked about the moment’s significance. Since taking office on October 1, 2024, she has embraced the title “presidenta” and refers to herself as “comandanta” of the armed forces, often appearing in garments with colorful Indigenous embroidery — a choice mirrored by military leaders who address her the same way. Historians say Sheinbaum’s role is both historic and symbolic. “It opens a space that was tacitly closed to women,” noted Me...

Johns Hopkins University in United States invites application for vacant Research and Academic Positions, America’s first research university and home

Newcastle University in United Kingdom invites application for vacant Research Positions, a UK public research university based in

For those few who are visiting our country and for whatever reason, may not know yet, Costa Rica celebrates its 204th Independence Day tomorrow – September 15. It’s a national holiday that honors the 1821 break from Spain. Parades, music, and flag displays fill the streets, while the day shifts some daily operations. Travelers will see local pride in action, from lantern walks to student marches, but plan for traffic and closures in non-tourist spots. What Happens on Independence Day Events start today with the Desfile de Faroles. Kids carry glowing paper lanterns through streets in towns like San José, where civic acts lead into the march around 6 p.m. The torch of liberty runs from Guatemala, reaching Cartago by night after stops in key areas. In La Fortuna, the central park gets decked out with decorations for the occasion. On September 15, morning parades take center stage. San José’s main one starts at 8 a.m. from Parque Central, with school bands, dancers in oxcarts outfits, ...

Nottingham University in United Kingdom invites application for vacant Research and Faculty Positions, a public research university in

The Torch of Independence began its traditional journey through Costa Rica today. More than 22,000 students from across the country carry the torch both today and tomorrow, covering 378 kilometers from Peñas Blancas to Cartago in celebration of 204 years of independence. The welcoming ceremony was held at the Peñas Blancas border crossing, where Costa Rican Minister of Education Leonardo Sánchez Hernández received the torch from Nicaraguan Minister of Education Mendy Arauz Silva. The event was attended by Costa Rican and Nicaraguan government officials, as well as delegations of students and citizens from both countries. The torch was initially carried by 16-year-old student Yafeth Matías Moya León, who is in his tenth year at the Liceo Experimental Bilingüe La Cruz in Guanacaste. He stands out for his academic performance and achievements in sports, short story and poetry competitions, science fairs, student arts festivals, and spelling bees. Each student will run around 200 meter...

El Salvador is the country in Latin America and the Caribbean facing the “fastest deterioration” of democracy in recent years, according to a report released Friday by an intergovernmental organization. “El Salvador has experienced the fastest deterioration in democratic indicators over the last decade in the region,” said Marcela Ríos, regional director of International IDEA . Since 2022, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has governed under a state of emergency designed — according to the government — to combat gangs. The measure, which allows arrests without a court order, has been criticized by human rights organizations. On July 31, El Salvador’s Congress — controlled by Bukele — approved indefinite reelection to allow the president to remain in power. Bukele enjoys high popularity for his anti-gang “war.” “El Salvador is a case of concern because it shows that even electoral democracies that function regularly and stably can experience very rapid and systematic deterioration,...

University of Cambridge in United Kingdom invites application for vacant Research Positions, a collegiate public research university in

The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) carried out multiple raids on Friday morning to capture suspects in the murder of Roberto Samcam , a former Nicaraguan military officer and exile in Costa Rica, which occurred on June 19 in Vázquez de Coronado. The proceedings seek to identify those responsible and the intermediaries who participated in the planning and execution of the crime, considered high-impact due to its possible political background. OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga explained that the investigation led to the location of the intermediary and the gunman involved in the murder. “On the day Samcam was murdered, we identified an intermediary who acted between the criminal group that carried out the killing and the mastermind, who we have not yet identified. This individual was with the gunman and another driver who transported them by car and motorcycle,” Zúñiga said. The official added that one of the detainees is a 20-year-old man named Carvajal, who is believed to be the shoo...

When I first came to Costa Rica, I knew next to nothing about our national sport of fútbol. I called it soccer, because that is what we called it up north. We were so clueless that I still recall playing fútbol in my 8th grade gym class as if it were American football—knocking each other to the ground and using our hands to tackle. There was one guy in my class who was from a military family and had spent the first 12 years of his life in Germany. It was like Messi or Pelé playing against a bunch of midgets. Everybody wanted to be on his team, and he would typically dribble through everyone for three or four goals in a 40-minute class. I grew up playing the typical U.S.-based sports and, once my playing days were over, became an avid spectator. For me, the sports aligned with the seasons. Spring and summer meant baseball, autumn was football, and winter was for basketball or hockey. The seasons began to overlap as sport became a multi-billion-dollar business worldwide; we now see ...

Guatemala extradited Roberto Carlo Girón Hernández, a 48-year-old Guatemalan accused of coordinating major cocaine shipments, to the United States. Authorities captured him on February 3, 2025, at kilometer 14 on the road to El Salvador. The US Embassy in Guatemala announced the move, calling it a key win against drug trafficking. Girón Hernández, known as “Gordo” or “RC,” faces charges in the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Prosecutors say he worked with Colombia’s Clan del Golfo to send tons of cocaine to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, with the drugs headed for the US. If convicted, he could get life in prison. The Public Ministry in Guatemala led his arrest, marking him as the fifth person extradited to the US in 2025. Girón Hernández first rejected the extradition request on May 28. But on June 4, the Third Criminal Sentencing Court approved it, clearing the way for his transfer. This case highlights ongoing efforts to comba...

Sitting on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Quepos draws domestic and international visitors with its blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Local organizations are promoting the area as a model for sustainable tourism that protects the environment while boosting the economy. The area offers whale and dolphin watching , horseback riding, farm tours, waterfall hikes, river excursions, adventure sports, wildlife observation, culinary experiences, and educational programs. These attractions aim to keep visitors engaged without depleting natural resources. The Quepos Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism continue to emphasize the area’s broader offerings beyond the globally recognized Manuel Antonio National Park. Tourism data shows 24.4% of air travelers to Costa Rica head to the Central Pacific region, including Quepos, signaling steady interest. Leaders are working to balance new development, local employment, and land conservation. Business owner Daniel Chavarría said many ...

The United States has significantly increased deportation flights to Mexico and Central America this year, reaching record levels as the Trump administration accelerates immigration enforcement. Data from immigration watchdogs and government reports show a 41 percent surge in deportation operations compared to 2024, putting added pressure on countries like Guatemala and Honduras. In July, deportation flights peaked at 1,214, bringing the total for 2025 to nearly 6,000 by the end of August. Most flights were bound for Mexico and Central America, operated primarily by three charter carriers. June alone saw 209 flights, up 10 percent from May and 54 percent above the six-month average. The uptick follows the Trump administration’s return to office in January. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) reported a 15 percent increase in deportations this year, with more than 1,000 removal flights from January through July. In fiscal year 2024, Mexican nationals comprised 32 percent...

If the United States withdraws certification from Colombia as an ally in the fight against drugs, “the drug traffickers win and the nations lose,” warned Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez in an interview. Before September 15, Donald Trump’s government must decide whether to continue providing the multimillion-dollar support it gives to Colombia’s military forces to combat cartels and guerrillas financed by cocaine trafficking. The decision comes at a time when Washington is increasing pressure on Latin American countries to curb the flow of drugs into the United States, and as Colombia faces its worst security crisis in a decade—with multiple attacks, record levels of coca cultivation, and the shooting death of an opposition senator who was running for president. All this unfolds amid diplomatic tension between Trump and his Colombian counterpart, leftist Gustavo Petro. A fierce critic of the Republican president’s policies, Petro recently questioned the U.S. military deploy...

A new modern visitor center has opened at Tenorio Volcano National Park, enhancing the experience for tourists eager to explore the famed Río Celeste waterfall, the turquoise waters of Los Teñideros, and the rich biodiversity of the area. The facility, unique among Costa Rica’s conservation areas, includes a 626-square-meter building with reception areas, ticket offices, restrooms, a planned souvenir shop, a first-aid station and a water treatment plant—all on one level. With these improvements, the park now offers first-class conditions to its more than 100,000 annual visitors, including upgraded bathrooms and improved comfort while exploring one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural destinations. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute ( ICT ) funded the project with a ¢524 million (approximately $1,007,000) investment under a cooperative agreement with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) signed in March 2023. The initiative is part of the ICT’s strategy to boost sustainable t...

After over three decades here, experiencing a new “first” is a rarity. But yesterday afternoon, while idling at a stoplight, a young man approached my car and, without me asking or even nodding in approval, wiped my windshield clean with a squeegee. This experience, while common when driving the streets of DC or Baltimore, was a first for me in Costa Rica. I fished a few coins from the center console and tipped him. If you have driven in any urban area in Costa Rica, you have seen them. They walk the narrow spaces between lanes of cars, some with small offerings in return for a bit of coin, others using themselves as props with a quick piece of entertainment before soliciting donations just before the light turns green. They occupy a gray area in the national economy, surviving on coins and 1,000 and 2,000 colón notes. They have no SINPE numbers for bank transfers and are possibly the only people collecting money in the country who do not have to issue a factura electrónica. For the...

The death of two imprisoned opposition figures in Nicaragua has raised alarms among exiles and human rights defenders, who attribute this new “repressive era” to an early transition of power from an ailing Daniel Ortega to his wife Rosario Murillo. Ortega, who turns 80 on November 11, has been handing over more responsibilities to Murillo, who was elevated to “co-president” seven months ago through a constitutional reform. The following points explain the consolidation of power by the 74-year-old co-president, known for her relentless image. Deaths of Detainees On August 25, Washington denounced the death of opposition member Mauricio Alonso, imprisoned since July 18. Managua never acknowledged his arrest, nor that of lawyer Carlos Cárdenas, detained on August 15, whose body was handed over to his family two weeks later. “In one week, the bodies of two people who had been disappeared were delivered […]. This is a new stage that bears Murillo’s stamp,” said Arturo McFields, former ...